First Drive: Suzuki Baleno with pricing

First Drive: Suzuki Baleno with pricing

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What is the car industry without a bit of rivalry? Whether that rivalry is between two organisations on the racetrack or a battle of production, competition is a fundamental part of the motoring business. 

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However, there has been a change in the last couple of years, a change which is showing more synergy than competition, and it might well be for the better of the industry. We have seen companies join forces to create brilliant platforms like the Scion FRS, Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86. 

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Often, these collaborations work out for the better and now a newer, fresher collaboration is taking the affordable compact hatch market by storm. This new joining of forces between Suzuki and Toyota has brought us the Baleno and Starlet. A similar car, for two very different companies.

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A similar car, for two very different companies

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The Suzuki Baleno has been around for years. First launched in 2016, it most certainly has become a familiar sight on the roads of Mzansi. But, like all good cars, it’s now better than ever. 

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It is a sleek, yet affordable option to combat industry titans like the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, providing yet another option in Suzuki’s arsenal to dominate the more affordable motoring market and I must admit, they have done a good job with the Baleno. It is a good option as a family-focused, capable entry-level hatch. Being slightly bigger, and more tech-savvy, than the Swift, the Suzuki Baleno is a strong performer in the R200,000-R300,000 price range. 

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Starting at R225,900, the Baleno GL represents a good starting point especially since it comes standard with more comfort features than the corresponding Starlet with a reverse camera and front fog lights.

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How does it drive? 

Putting the Baleno through its paces in the pothole-stricken province of KZN has shown me just what Suzuki's facelifted hatch has to offer. I was pleasantly surprised. If I would have to nit-pick at anything, it would be that the clutch feels light, but the ride is comfortable and quiet. 

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With an upgraded power unit, the new 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated motor pushes out 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque, it doesn’t seem like much, but the Baleno is considerably lighter than most of its competitors, boasting the best power to weight ratio in the segment. It comes in either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic variant which you, regrettably, have to rev to the heavens and back to find optimum power when merging with traffic. 

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4-speed automatic variant which you, regrettably, have to rev to the heavens and back

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Now coming with ESC, Suzuki has taken a big step in a safer direction. Considering that it is on the affordable side, I was pleasantly impressed with the ride quality and how it easily delivered a smooth yet comfortable driving experience. 

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On the inside

Typically, I don’t expect to be wowed by the interior of entry-level hatches, but the Baleno is an exception. The GL is Suzuki's entry-level option and is a good starting platform. Coming with a smooth 7" infotainment screen with lots of bells and whistles such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, automatic climate control and even rear vents. 

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Suzuki offers a premium option for the Baleno with the GLX. It comes with a 9" infotainment screen, heads-up display, a revised information cluster, 360-degree view camera, LED projector headlamps, six airbags, 16” polished alloy wheels and keyless entry with push-button start. All in all, I was impressed by the interior of the Baleno despite being a more affordable Suzuki product. The styling of the interior was refreshing, and it doesn’t feel like Suzuki skimped out on this model. 

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In summary 

The Suzuki Baleno is an impressive mid-sized hatch and comes as a strong weapon against brands like Toyota. Starting at R225,900 for the GL 5-speed manual, Suzuki provides you with a four-year/60,000 km service plan and a five-year/200,000 km promotional warranty. 

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The GLX 5-speed manual starts at R275,900 with the same four-year/60,000 km service plan and five-year/200,000 km promotional warranty included. This places the Baleno in a price bracket slightly under the almost-identical Toyota Starlet and significantly less than its locally-built competitor, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo. The latter starts at R232,500 while the range-toppers will set you back R314,300. 

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All in all, I was impressed with the Baleno. It’s an impressive family hatch, providing a tech-savvy option in the more affordable market space. With a comfortable ride, a quiet cabin, high-quality materials, and even an eye-catching interior, Suzuki produced a car I believe will take SA by storm.

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Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL 5MT - R225,900

Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL 4AT - R245,900

Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX 5MT - R275,900

Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX 4AT - R295,900

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